Drive up the east coast of Australia, right up to the tropical top, and the last beachside town with sealed access is Port Douglas. The Boathouse is located in Port Douglas' most central, most exclusive and most serene address. Murphy Street.

50 BAREFOOT STEPS

Sure, staying at the fabulous Sheraton Mirage or one of the other major resorts is fun, but it's still a mini bus or taxi ride if you want a curbside coffee or a stroll around the marina. But from the Boathouse, it's just a stroll to the beach - 400 metres, the marina - 600 metres, and the main street - 50 metres.

HANDY NEARBY JOINTS

Try these for size:
The Great Barrier Reef (a fishy heaven with an apparently limited shelf life..book now). The Daintree Rainforest (a retirement village to the world's oldest plants). Even Cairns, if you like it, is only an hour away.

THE MILLIONAIRES GOAT TRACK

We are at the very best address in the north, the former goat track, now a millionaires row, known as Murphy Street on the Flagstaff Hill, 100 metres above the town's main street. We nabbed a site blessed by its leafy surrounds and with barefoot garden access through to the main street below, straight into the cafes and shops.